Stern action against lawbreakers, warns Acting IGP

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana 
Stern legal action would be taken against lawbreakers who instigated sporadic countrywide riots targeting Muslim-owned property and businesses, Acting Police Chief C.D. Wickramaratne yesterday said.  

 The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) further requested the public to remain calm and peaceful and cooperate with law enforcement authorities to restore normalcy after police curfew was imposed following the violence. 

Making a special announcement to the media last night the IGP said, having fought a 30-year war, the Sri Lanka Police Force had immense experience containing such incidents, which they would do to their fullest efforts.     

  
“We will not let any elements or any cowardly acts of a few extremists drag the country to anarchy over the unfortunate events on Easter Sunday. We are receiving information on those responsible for such activities, and will take full action against them,” Mr. Wickramaratne said.        

He said the police curfew which was initially imposed on the Northwestern Province, Minuwangoda and Gampaha areas had been extended countrywide to prevent violence spreading further.   

The acting IGP warned that instigating riots was a non-bailable offence which carried a 10-year jail term, and vowed strict action against perpetrators.   
He requested the public to educate their kith and kin, who may resort to such acts, to refrain from engaging in such activity during this difficult hour, and to cooperate with the police and the tri-forces at all times.